“A Sojourn Among the Avatars of Wisdom” is a tale weaving wisdom from the minds of renowned philosophers into the entertaining journey of one man.

From the space shuttle’s fiery launch to the International Space Station’s celestial perch to earth’s tethered bounds, one man attempts to change his life. Symbolism and irony, which reside in the first three chapters, complement the narrative.

When first-time astronaut Chris Cole is a victim of an accident aboard the International Space Station, he is subsequently whisked back to earth for medical observation and eventually released. Before his return flight to Kennedy Space Center the next day, Chris decides to attend a nearby medieval fair with an acquaintance, a decision that will change the course of his life forever.

Shortly after his arrival at the festival, the king unexpectedly selects Chris to be a contestant in a tournament to be a knight. As Chris prepares for the match, he unwittingly summons the avatars of wisdom to help him through his crucible. His call is answered, and they come to his aid, usually appearing one at a time. Offering solicited advice, they guide Chris to success.

If we think about it, each maxim is like a star in an alien sky. It’s the star’s position relative to that of other stars that allows us to discern distinct shapes, permitting celestial navigation to take place in roughly the same manner that allowed the ancients to navigate across the unforgiving seas.

Accordingly, we look to the heavens for some pattern of stars that joins wisdom across subjects. In essence, we are searching for constellations of wisdom: a star pattern in the sky that will guide us through the trials of life. What kind of book serves as an atlas that depicts the constellations of wisdom? It should have the counsel from the world’s greatest sages. That would be a start. However, the end result would be exceptionally dry, like a parent lecturing a child before that youth has a chance to get a word in edgewise. Then how would the conversation unfold? It would be a dialog between the person seeking advice and the individual giving it.

Such a conversation wouldn’t be effective because the end result would be too discordant: there would be too many conversations going on at the same time and the resultant wisdom would not be conveyed. Perhaps a better narrative would revolve around a central character, which calls for the suspension of disbelief. Moreover, a “fish out of water” story would be even better. One that involves leaving this realm and returning to it after having his hopes and dreams dashed, one that forces him out of his comfort zone. Add external conflict and self-doubt and we have instances in which the possibility for change exists for the protagonist, and by extension, for those who seek it. Consider “A Sojourn Among the Avatars of Wisdom” to do just that!